While prescription drugs provide a multitude of benefits such as alleviating pain or controlling high blood pressure, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects that may ultimately thwart the intended purpose of taking such drugs in the first place.

There are several brain-healthy lifestyle choices shown to help reduce the prospect of cognitive decline and dementia, including additional years of formal education, regular physical activity and healthy eating such as adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

During Wednesday’s live discussion, 75 new and returning participants exchanged information, insights, and ideas on the technology innovations in the pipeline that streamline the daily routines of caregivers and seniors.

“Stroke is one of those conditions in which time is of the essence,” says Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, a practicing geriatrician and caregiver educator affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s important that people recognize the signs of a stroke and get help for the individual as quickly as possible.”

Often doctors prescribe medications for those with high cholesterol, especially if there is a family or personal history of heart disease and stroke. However, there are also changes you can make in your lifestyle to control cholesterol naturally.